RCMP continuing searches for missing persons

The Whistler and Pemberton RCMP is planning to use the good weather and expected low water levels this weekend to resume the searches for four missing persons in the region.

In Pemberton, Rachael Bagnall and Jonathan Jette went missing in September 2010 after embarking on a two-day hike in the Cirque Peak area. They were reported overdue two days after they were scheduled to return, triggering a massive search and rescue effort involving five search and rescue crews, RCMP helicopters, dog teams and others. The search continued for several weeks before it was called, although friends and family members continued to search the area, and the police have made occasional searches as well.

As well, police are continuing to search for two persons missing on the Cheakamus River, including kayaker Peter Thompson who went missing on Sept. 21 after going over a small waterfall upstream of the suspension bridge on Cheakamus River and not resurfacing.

As well, RCMP is continuing to search for the body of Amy Wong, one of the two people who were killed while fly-fishing in August 2011 when they were swept away by the current. The body of one victim was found soon afterwards, but Wong never reappeared. Police will use helicopters and ground parties to search for her remains.

Thief may have been knocking on doors

The RCMP is warning residents to be on guard after a break and enter to a home on Tyrol Crescent on September 26. According to police, the break-in happened between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. after a thief likely used a pry bar to force a back door open. The thief took two Apple laptops from the house and an Xbox.

On investigation, the RCMP found out from a neighbour that a man had knocked at her door at 4 p.m. and asked for someone who did not live in the house. Police believe that this may have been the thief, checking to see if someone was home.

The suspect is described as a 165 pounds, five-foot-eight Caucasian male with short black hair, black sweat pants and a grey t-shirt.

Police advise that if someone knocks on your door asking for someone who doesn't live there, you should contact the RCMP to report them as a suspicious person.

Car thief arrested near Lions Bay

On Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. Sea to Sky Traffic Services responded to a report of an erratic driver heading northbound on Highway 99 who crashed into the median near the Brunswick Beach Road in Lions Bay. According to witnesses, the driver left the scene, walking southbound along the highway.

Meanwhile the RCMP determined that the white 1993 Honda Civic the man was driving had a punched ignition, indicating that it was stolen. The RCMP used a police dog to locate the suspect just south of the scene. He also had a small amount of marijuana on his person. Police are pursing charges of possession of stolen property, dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident for the 23-year-old resident of Vancouver.

Man assaulted in wheelchair

On Sept. 26 at noon, the Squamish RCMP received a report of an assault on a male in a motorized wheelchair, who was travelling north along Highway 99 on the shoulder near Clarke Drive. According to the reports, the passenger of a southbound, dark-coloured Jeep reached out the window while passing and struck the man.

The suspect also grabbed the handlebar of the wheelchair in passing and knocked the victim and the chair over. The victim received injuries to his right shoulder and hip and was taken to Squamish Hospital for evaluation.

Two witnesses that were in the area stopped to assist the victim, but they left before the police could talk to them. The police would like to speak to those two individuals and anyone else who may have witnessed the assault. If you can help, call the Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).